Legarda Cites Role of Engineers, Architects in Building Disaster-Resilient Communities

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY CALLED ON FILIPINO ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE COUNTRY’S RESILIENCE TO DISASTERS BY ENSURING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF BUILDINGS AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
“As key stakeholders in nation building, we hope that our architects and engineers will fully utilize their talent, skills, and expertise to build infrastructure that will shield our people from natural hazards,” she stressed.
The Senator explained that since the Philippines is located both on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and the typhoon belt, infrastructure development is a vital component in building a disaster-resilient nation.
“Our engineers and architects should lead efforts towards promoting disaster-resilient development by ensuring the structural integrity of buildings and critical infrastructure, especially to reduce the impact of strong tremors,” she said.
Legarda added that engineers and architects, especially those involved in government projects, need to look into widening waterways as a measure to prevent flooding, in addition to seawalls, water pumps, and infrastructure designed to combat flood control problems.
“Our engineers and architects are key players in advancing the country’s development initiatives, which we must strengthen by ensuring that the buildings and infrastructure we build will be resilient to natural hazards,” Legarda concluded.